Velocity WP - Op-up with SQ

[tomasp]

Hi all,

Just curious what peoples views are on the chance for an Op-up. I'm flying return BNE-SIN-JNB in a couple weeks with SQ. I've just contacted the travel agent about paying for economy to business upgrade on the flights and was advised the entire plane is sold out (except for 1 business class seat on one of the flights).

Given I'm WP with Velocity (no Krysflyer membership), I'm wondering what my chances are for an Op-up at the airport from economy to business (assuming business will bump to first class to alleviate space in economy)? Of course i'll arrive at the airport early too to maximise my chances.

Anyone had any experience with this?

 

[Denali]

My bet is buckleys.

Ive seen them fly with empty seats rather than upgrade their own KF members.

 

[Bibendum]

I flew PER - SIN - CDG last week and got talking to a PPS member in the lounge. Our chat moved to upgrades and how many he had in the last year and he told me they are few are far between even when seats are empty..

I don't like your chances.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Zero chance

 

[rtyuiop]

If they are actually oversold in Y and there's space in J I've heard of SQ doing an op-up (even overheard the lucky recipient at the gate once), but it seems to go to their elites first - as it should!

 

[dajop]

You made my day. Gave me something to smile and laugh about. Upgrades do happen, far far far more likely on short hops between SIN and CGK, MNL, BKK than anything long haul. Although I am no longer PPS (although I do have hybrid status of Gold/Partner Solitaire PPS), I've experienced one medium-long haul upgrade from Y in 8 years as PPS. But quite a few (one-two per year) short hauls. On the other hand, my partner who is Solitaire, has had three J->F long haul upgrades in the space of about 2-3 years.

As a VA WP, best bet for upgrading to business class it to buy a few lottery tickets, and use the winnings to pay for that upgrade. The chances are probably higher.

SQ manage their inventories very well on long hauls.

 

[Bagpuss]

If they are actually oversold in Y and there's space in J I've heard of SQ doing an op-up (even overheard the lucky recipient at the gate once), but it seems to go to their elites first - as it should!

This used to be the practice many years ago, unsure if it is now. First priority was "staff travel" prior to the elites.

 

[jpk]

Zero chance. PPS mate says he has had 1 upgrade in 3 years (but in other aspects he is treated very very well and likes the program)

 

[Mr Pumblechook]

Allow me to join the chorus of the naysayers - the only way to fly in J on SQ long haul is by buying a J ticket.

But as I always say to anybody who'll listen, SQ Y is the best Y in the world so just sit back and enjoy the wide seats and polished service knowing that you're not missing out. Nobody - not the SQ elites and especially not the partner elites - is getting anything other than published benefits.

 

[Muppet501st]

Ask at checkin or the SQ lounge, how much to upgrade. I asked at BNE but declined the $1000 offer.

 

[Denali]

Ask at checkin or the SQ lounge, how much to upgrade. I asked at BNE but declined the $1000 offer.

BNE>SIN or the entire outbound trip? I would do it for $1K but thats because J has ruined me.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

on the flights and was advised the entire plane is sold out (except for 1 business class seat on one of the flights).

Given I'm WP with Velocity (no Krysflyer membership), I'm wondering what my chances are for an Op-up at the airport from economy to business (assuming business will bump to first class to alleviate space in economy)? Of course i'll arrive at the airport early too to maximise my chances.

Anyone had any experience with this?

Well we know that you must be an optimist, as there is only one seat in J left and you are hoping to get that in preference to SQ's own elites without even being a KF member yourself.

Then add to that SQ despite being a fantastic airline, it is an airline that avoids Op-ups unless it has too.

ANSWER: No free upgrade.

 

[tomasp]

I've read a fair few articles of late, talking about when planes are full airlines tend to upgrade business to first class and economy to business to free up space in economy for the overbooking... So was curious about my chances really...

Well we know that you must be an optimist, as there is only one seat in J left and you are hoping to get that in preference to SQ's own elites without even being a KF member yourself.

Then add to that SQ despite being a fantastic airline, it is an airline that avoids Op-ups unless it has too.

ANSWER: No free upgrade.

 

[Notyourbag]

Flown SQ as a Velocity Platinum around 10 times and never been bumped from Y to J.

At least SQ Economy is a very good product and you'll be more likely to get an exit row.

 

[Muppet501st]

BNE>SIN or the entire outbound trip? I would do it for $1K but thats because J has ruined me.

Just BNE-SIN.i wasn't traveling alone and the flight was being operated by a an old 777

 

[andyhui01]

SQ does not do upgrades unless it is absolutely necessary op-up (Overbooked Y/W/J cabin). My aunt is a Solitaire Life PPS, as far back as I can remember, she has only been bumped up from J to R once and this was an actual op-up due to an overbooked flight. I'd say your chances of winning TattsLotto is higher.

If you like having upgrades, fly CX. They give them to DM members like candy

 

[Lemon_Party]

I'll buck the trend of naysayers - Jan 2016 flying PER-SIN-HND in Y as VA plat with the missus (va red) booked on SQ stock, both of us op-upped to J while breakfasting in the lounge. Lounge staff approached me and asked me to come to the desk and politely asked if we would both mind being upgraded on our PER-SIN flight. No idea what the load factors were etc but it is definitely a possibility.

That said, I've flown a few SQ flights over the last 5 years or so as VA plat (34 sectors checking flight tracker) and this is the only time it has happened, so its a very rare possibility. But not impossible.

 

[CPMaverick]

I've read a fair few articles of late, talking about when planes are full airlines tend to upgrade business to first class and economy to business to free up space in economy for the overbooking... So was curious about my chances really...

This is true. But in your case only 1 business class seat is left. If there is indeed an 'Op-Up' it will go to a Krisflyer Elite, or someone asking to pay cash at check-in. VA elites don't have a chance with only one seat. If business was empty and economy oversold, maybe.

 

[Happy Dude]

Of course i'll arrive at the airport early too to maximise my chances.

Be sure to be smartly dressed too.....